BT’s sporting life takes shape with EPG slots

In advance of the launch of its BT Sport broadcasting service – which is due to take place by summer 2013 – BT has secured two EPG (Electronic Programming Guide) slots, dubbed Sailing 1 and Sailing 2.

The multi-platform project will see the telecoms giant continuing a long association with sporting activities that included a role as official communications services partner of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Regarding the EPG slots, a BT spokesperson informed SVG Europe: “Sailing 1 and 2 are placeholders for the new BT Sport channel, which will be launching next year. For test purposes they will be showing sailing, treasure diving and kayaking content.”

Momentum behind BT Sport has been accelerating in recent months, with a recent deal securing the rights to show live top tier football matches from Italy, France, Brazil and the US. This footage – previously shown on ESPN – will bolster the ‘core’ of the new sports channel, which is to be provided by 38 live games a season from the Barclays Premier League.

Reflecting on this recent development, BT Vision CEO Marc Watson comments: “We believe this extra depth of live matches will help us in our aim to develop an absolutely cracking sports channel, with fantastic live action, across the top football leagues, plus rugby union and other sports to come. We’ve hired the best talent behind the camera to bring to viewers the first-rate production that they’ve come to expect from a sports channel in the UK.”